What does the term "fibrinolysis" refer to?

The term "fibrinolysis" specifically refers to the breakdown of fibrin in blood clots, which is a crucial process in the resolution of clotting. After a blood vessel is injured and a clot forms to prevent excessive bleeding, fibrinolysis helps to remove the clot when it is no longer needed, ensuring that blood flow can return to normal. This process is essential for maintaining the balance between coagulation and the dissolution of clots, preventing conditions such as thrombosis, where unwanted clots may lead to complications.

Other options relate to different physiological processes: the formation of new blood vessels is known as angiogenesis, blood coagulation involves the complex cascade of events leading to clot formation, and the detection of bleeding disorders pertains to various diagnostic tests rather than a specific biological process.